The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a source of un-earmarked money created by the Federation in 1985 to ensure that immediate financial support is available for Red Cross and Red Crescent emergency response. The DREF is a vital part of the International Federation’s disaster response system and increases the ability of National Societies to respond to disasters.
Period covered by this update: 1 st July to 30 September, 2011.
Summary: CHF 292,511 was allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) on 29 June, 2011 to support the Congolese Red Cross National Society in delivering assistance to some 1,500,000 beneficiaries, comprising 700,000 beneficiaries in Brazzaville, 500,000 in Pointe Noire and 300,000 in Pool.
In early May 2011, the Republic of Congo (RoC) experienced its first chikungunya epidemic, affecting people mostly in Brazzaville and Pool. The disease attacked both children and adults. By 31st July 2011, 9,424 cases of chikungunya had been registered in RoC. The Congolese Government appealed to the international community to help tackle the epidemic. In reaction to that appeal, the IFRC allocated DREF funding to help the Congolese Red Cross National Society (NS) play its role as auxiliary to Government.
With these funds, the NS has so far trained 235 Red Cross volunteers on how to manage the chikungunya epidemic. The trained volunteers have sensitized the population on chikungunya prevention. Thanks to the efforts made by Government, the Red Cross and other partners, the number of cases has dropped, but there is still much to do. Twenty-one additional cases of chikungunya were registered during the week from 22 to 31 st July 2011. Moreover, much remains to be done in the area of communication for the change of behaviour, and environmental hygiene.
This operation was planned to be implemented for a duration of 03 months, for completion by 30 September, 2011. In line with Federation reporting standards, the Final Report (narrative and financial) is due 90 days after the end of the operation (by 31 st December, 2011).